23-03-2022

SPEC Energy DMCC selects multiple technologies from Honeywell UOP

Honeywell today announced that SPEC Energy DMCC will use a range of Honeywell UOP process technologies at its refinery to convert low value vacuum gasoil and vacuum residue into high value products such as gasoline and alkylate.

Phase one of the project includes the installation of a new UOP Residue Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (RFCC) unit that is tailored to improve gasoline yield, a UOP/Wood Solvent Deasphalting process Unit (SDA) which will improve the feed quality to the RFCC. A UOP Merox™ unit will also be installed that will reduce the level of mercaptans in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) streams, in addition to a UOP InAlk™ process unit which will process the mixed C4 olefinic rich stream from the Merox unit to produce alkylate, which is a high-octane blending feedstock for the gasoline pool. A UOP SelectFining™ Process unit will be used to process the RFCC naphtha stream to meet the desired sulfur content.

“We are pleased to have selected UOP’s RFCC complex for our Grass Roots Refinery,” said Zafar Sheikh, Group CEO, of SPEC Energy DMCC. “We chose UOP’s RFCC complex over other RFCC complexes due to key technology advantages. Another key factor in the decision was the excellent technical support from UOP in identifying and selecting the most profitable configuration. This project will enable SPEC to increase gasoline yield and maintain high margin, in line with our financial goals.”

The Honeywell UOP RFCC process utilizes state-of-the-art proprietary reactor technologies that are proven to minimize byproducts, increase gasoline yield, provide high feed flexibility and high reliability for processing residue feedstocks in the most economical manner2. The catalyst regeneration will be done by using UOP’s high efficiency combustor style regenerator which uses a fast-fluidized combustion zone to achieve the best coke burning and full combustion of CO to CO2. A catalyst cooler will be added to remove variable heat from the regenerator, providing feed processing flexibility and the ability to adjust the catalyst-to-oil ratio for higher conversion and production of valuable steam from the RFCC unit.
UOP will provide technology licensing, design services, key equipment and state-of-the-art catalysts and adsorbents for this project at the refinery in Pakistan. When completed, the total conversion capacity of the complex is expected to be 45,000 BPSD (or 6898 MT/d), being a combination of vacuum gasoil and vacuum residue.

“These UOP technologies will allow SPEC Energy DMCC to boost production of high-octane gasoline blending feedstock at a Grass Roots refinery in Pakistan while benefiting from low capital and operating costs,” said Laura Leonard, vice president and general manager, UOP Process Technologies. “UOP continuous to invest in its RFCC, Merox, InAlk, SDA and Selectfining technology development to meet the most ambitious needs of our customers. I’m proud, that SPEC Energy DMCC elected to continue its success story with UOP RFCC technology.”

SPEC Energy DMCC is a UAE based EPC company with their head office in Houston, U.S. Within a short period of time and with a strong inclination towards oil and gas related activities, it has established itself as a premier single source solutions provider for mid-size onshore projects. SPEC has a strong presence in Middle East, Asia, Africa and United States of America. SPEC DMCC is currently pursuing active projects in Iraq, Pakistan, Yemen and Nigeria in the space of Oil Refining and Gas processing.